The Power of Conflict

If you’re like most people, you avoid disagreements and arguments whenever possible. As uncomfortable as it may seem, the right kind of conflict can be an important business tool.

In fact, having appropriate conflict is how your team learns how to collaborate when solving problems.

Conflict in the workplace can be destructive if it simmers for too long before management steps in. As a manager, it’s your duty to allow healthy conflict, but moderate it before it becomes destructive.

Cartoon of employee conflict

Often, employees avoid conflict because they have to work together. They avoid any negative engagement because they’re afraid a confrontation will hurt relationships. Not true.

Your leadership in this area will teach them how healthy disagreement can help solve challenges and make work easier. The next time there is a disagreement, jump in and steer the process into a problem solving exercise by recognizing each person's perspective and allowing opinions that are contrary to the others. Over time, you will learn how to use this important business tool.

Tags:

Flower Shop Owner, Retail Florists

Dan McManus, author of Flowers & Profits
4/25/24 2:13 PM

Dan McManus is the publisher of Flowers and Profits, a floristry business publication he has written for over 20 years. As the founder of TeamFloral, Dan helps retail florists improve profitability, master local marketing, and run more efficient flower shops. His practical approach to floral business management draws on decades of working directly with shop owners across the country through his publication, industry webinars, and one-on-one coaching. If you own a flower shop and want to grow your bottom line, Dan has seen your challenges before and knows how to solve them.